‘Sanctuary: a Complex Case’

Your editorial (Jan. 16), “Sanctuary: a Complex Case,” is off base on several points.

I have been privy to inside and high-level discussions on the “sanctuary” movement and can say without qualification that the Reagan Administration is not the least bit concerned if “the sanctuary movement generates public opposition to its policies in Central America,” as you charge. The only concern is for our immigration laws to be enforced uniformly and, consequently, illegal alien smugglers will be prosecuted.

You wrongly observe that the movement “is not nearly as organized or as coordinated as the name implies.” The well-orchestrated propaganda machine the movement has in operation in Tucson would do justice to any Madison Avenue public relations firm.

Likewise, the sanctuary movement’s “refugees” are carefully screened and have to promise to attack President Reagan’s Central American policy. The sanctuary movement is really a Trojan Horse that appears to be humanitarian in nature on the outside but inside its real objective is political.

Finally, you charge that the use of undercover agents was “questionable.” What makes a church or minister above the law? Suppose this group was planning to torch City Hall?

We are justified in properly using all law enforcement techniques available. The U.S. Department of Justice has rigid guidelines in the use of undercover agents and all of these procedures were scrupulously observed in this case.

HAROLD W. EZELL

Regional Commissioner

U.S. Immigration and

Naturalization Service

San Pedro